Music is a dynamic force capable of stirring emotions, inspiring action, and shaping public opinion. Throughout history, politicians have used music to energize supporters, convey powerful messages, and create memorable moments that resonate long after events end.
Kamala Harris’s campaign has masterfully harnessed the power of music to energize supporters, convey her core messages, and create memorable moments that resonate with voters. Her carefully curated playlists reflect her diverse background and embody the campaign’s values of resilience, unity, and forward-thinking optimism.
Election day playlists energize voters, lift spirits, and create an atmosphere of optimism and engagement. Upbeat, familiar songs can encourage people to get out and vote, creating a feeling of celebration even in intense political polarization. John Lennon’s “Imagine” starts your election day with a mix of Lizzo’s “Good as Hell,” John Legend’s “Glory,” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”—each track stirring a sense of empowerment and urgency.
With each song, these playlists underscore the campaign’s message and build a collective soundtrack for a movement focused on resilience, unity, and hope. The legacy of music in political campaigns reminds us that, ultimately, these songs are not just about winning elections—they are about inspiring a shared vision for the future.
Special shout out to nursing colleagues, Virginia Buysse and Donna Gaffney who shared their Election Day 2024 playlists with me, clearly soundtracks of change!
#VoteAccordingly
Curated playlists:
Spotify: It’s Kamencing
Full list of songs played by DJ Cassidy during DNC’s roll call
- Delaware: “Higher Love” – Kygo, Whitney Houston
- Alabama: “Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Alaska: “Feel It Still” – Portugal. The Man
- American Samoa: “The Edge of Glory” – Lady Gaga
- Arizona: “Edge of Seventeen” – Stevie Nicks
- Arkansas: “Don’t Stop” – Fleetwood Mac
- Colorado: “September” – Earth, Wind & Fire
- Connecticut: “Signed Sealed, Delivered” – Stevie Wonder
- Democrats Abroad: “Love Train” – The O’Jays
- Washington, D.C.: “Let Me Clear My Throat” – DJ Kool
- Florida: “Won’t Back Down” – Tom Petty
- Georgia: “Turn Down for What” – Lil Jon
- Georgia: “Get Low” – Lil John & the East Side Boyz
- Guam: “Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
- Hawaii: “24K Magic” – Bruno Mars
- Idaho: “Private Idaho” – The B-52s
- Illinois: “Sirius” – The Alan Parsons Project
- Indiana: “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” – Michael Jackson
- Iowa: “Celebrate” – Kool & the Gang
- Kansas: “Carry on Wayward Son” – Kansas
- Kentucky: “First Class” – Jack Harlow
- Louisiana: “All I Do Is Win” – DJ Khaled
- Maine: “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon
- Maryland: “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
- Massachusetts: “I’m Shipping up to Boston” – Dropkick Murphys
- Michigan: “Lose Yourself” – Eminem
- Minnesota: “Kiss” – Prince
- Minnesota: “1999” – Prince
- Mississippi: “Twisting the Night Away” – Sam Cooke
- Missouri: “Good Luck, Babe” – Chappell Roan
- Montana: “American Woman” – Lenny Kravitz
- Nebraska: “Firework” – Katy Perry
- Nevada: “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
- New Hampshire: “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
- New Jersey: “Born in the U.S.A.” – Bruce Springsteen
- New Mexico: “Confident” – Demi Lovato
- New York: “Empire State of Mind” – Jay Z and Alicia Keys
- North Carolina: “Raise Up” – Petey Pablo
- North Dakota: “Girl On Fire” – Alicia Keys
- Ohio: “Green Light” – John Legend, Andre 3000
- Oklahoma: “Ain’t Going Down (Till the Sun Comes Up)” – Garth Brooks
- Oregon: “Float On” – Modest Mouse
- Pennsylvania: “Black and Yellow” – Wiz Khalifa
- Pennsylvania: “Motownphilly” – Boyz II Men
- Puerto Rico: “Despacito” – Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee
- Rhode Island: “Shake it Off” – Taylor Swift
- South Carolina: “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” – James Brown
- South Dakota: “What I Like About You” – The Romantics
- Tennessee: “9 To 5” – Dolly Parton
- Texas: “Texas Hold ‘Em” – Beyoncé
- Utah: “Animal” – Neon Trees
- Vermont: “Stick Season” – Noah Kahan
- Virginia: “The Way I Are” – Timbaland
- Washington: “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore
- West Virginia: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver
- Wisconsin: “Jump Around” – House of Pain
- Wyoming: “I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas
- Virgin Islands: “VI to the Bone” – Mic Love
- California: “The Next Episode” – Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
- California: “Alright” – Kendrick Lamar
- California: “Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
- California: “California Love” – Tupac
